Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-05-28
SHE SAW THE SULTAN.
An English Lady's Queer Interview with
the Turkish Ruler.

Lord and Lady - arrived at CONSTANT
nople in 1S41. They called ON the embassa-
dor, Lord Ponsonby, and Lady - requested
his excellency to present her to the Sultan.
As the presentation of European la y,
H. 1. NJ. had never been heard of in those
days, says writer in Murray's Magazine,
Lord Ponsonby declined to take steps to
meet the wishes of the fair lady, on the plea
that such an unprecedented request might
give annoyance to the Sultan. Lady -was
however, determined to gain her point, and
also to show Lord Ponsonby that if he had
not sufficient influence to obtain such q
special favor from the Sultan another repre-
sentative might be found who would pay
more courteous attention to her wishes.
Reshid Pasha having made known to the
Sultan that person had arrived at Constan-
tinople with wonderful collection of most
valuable iewelry, asked whether his majesty
would like to see that person.
The following conversation is said TO have
taken place:
Sultan-Let the iewelry be brought and
prices stated.
Reshid-This person never trusts the jew
elry to any one, and would have to come in
person.
Sultan-Bring the jeweler.
Reshid Tin hesitating manner)-I beg
your majesty's pardon for indelicacy, but it
is-a female Gt was thought improper to
speak about any woman to the Sultan), and
she always carries the jewels on her person
when she wishes to dispose of them for sale,
and never puts them in a case.
Sultan-Bring her, and let her put them
all on. You come also to interpret.
Reshid returned and told the baron he
might inform Lady - that she would be
presented at private audience by him, but
that the Sultan having heard of the fame of
her jewelry, had particularly requested she
would put it all on, and he (the pasha) hoped
she would raise no objection to such a
strange request.
Lady - was very good-natured, and
being much amused at the condition made
by the Sultan, consented to put on all her
most valuable jewelry.
On arrival at the palace Reshid Pasha con-
Quoted Lady - into the presence of the
Sultan. Her dress glittered with diamonds
pearls, turquoises and other precious stones
"Pekky-good," said the Sultan (as Lady
- courtesie0; 'she has brought magnif-
cent Jewels"
Reshid Cunning to the lady)-His majesty
graciously bids you welcome.
Lady = bowed and expressed her thanks
in French.
Reshid Gnterpreting)-She says she has
other jewelry, but could not put on all.
Sultan-Ask her what is the price of that
UldIuOlu UeChldCe.
Reshid-His majesty inquiries whether
this is your first visit to Constantinople.
Lady -. 1t is my first visit, and l am
delighted with all have seen.
Reshid Ito Sultan)-She asks 100000
piasters.
Sultan-Thatis too much.
Reshid Ito Lady -)-His majesty asks
whether you have seen the mosques. If not,
he offers youa tirman.
Lady - expresses her thanks.
Sultan-What price does she put on that
set ofturquoises?
Reshid Ito Lady-)-His majesty, says
that perhaps you would like walk in the
garden.
Lady -expresses.her thanks and would
like to see the garden.
Reshid-She says 100000 piasters.
Sultan-Take her away l shall not give
such prices
Reshid Ito Lady-)-His majesty gra-
ciously expresses satisfaction at having
made your acquaintance.
Lady - courtesies low and withdraws
from his majesty's presence to visit the gar
den with the amiable and courteous Reshid
Pasha.